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Is there anything Sanam Saeed can't do? Having done an array of roles in her short but rewarding five year career, she presented jealousy in Daam and Kadoorat; independence and confidence in Zindagi Gulzaar Hai and Shukk and resilience in Talkhiyan, all of which have been praised by critics.

How does she choose her roles?

"I like stories with a message or a moral. I like taking on characters that could be role models for young girls, or roles that empower women. I think it's very important," Sanam told Dawn in an email interview.

"Sometimes, however, I have to choose a role that is slightly different to the ones I naturally pick to add diversity to my work."

Zindagi Gulzar Hai catapulted the A-list celebrity to new heights of fame when it aired on the Indian television channel, Zee Zindagi. She admits that her character of Kashaf from Zindagi Gulzar Hai is the one closest to her heart and furthermore comments on the success of the show in India.

"It made me feel very proud for being a part of the Pakistani television industry, I feel this is a huge step for us. I am overwhelmed by the responses I get from across the border," said the 29-year-old actor.

Sanam Saeed and Fawad Khan in a scene from 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai'.

Talking about working in Bollywood, the Firaaq leading lady conveys that she is open to the possibility: "I would [work in Bollywood], as I feel a Pakistani actor can bring something new to the table. They have all the talent in the world there [in India], I'd like to do something different with them. Or a project that works towards bridging the gap between the two countries."

The actor further said that she would love to work with Tabu, who she calls "versatile and everlasting" (much like herself, we feel!).

However, there are many Pakistani media personalities who promote extreme patriotism and feel our talent should stick to developing the entertainment industry in Pakistan.

The Zindagi Gulzar Hai starlet comments nonchalantly: "I think everyone should be free to make their own choices. Those who want to flee, those who want to stick to just Pakistani content can do just that and those who want to dapple in new territory should be allowed to. There is plenty of talent here [in Pakistan] that will help in the growth of our industry. What's the worry I say?"

Sanam's role in Firaaq is being lauded by the audience. With her deadpan voice and an expressionless face, she has portrayed the reserved Paiman masterfully.

When asked about her experience, the multi-talented artist admits: "Paiman was a tricky character to play. I had to work at making sure I didn't fall too flat, or become boring. It certainly was a challenging role. I'm used to being assertive, and speaking my mind in other plays, but Paiman does transition into that stage as the story progresses."

Sanam Saeed as Paiman in 'Firaaq'. - dramasonline.pk

From modelling to dominating the television drama spectrum and performing in theatre as well to appearing in Coke Studio as a back-up vocalist, Sanam is now set to appear in her first feature film Mah-e-Meer, starring Fahad Mustafa and Iman Ali among others. The film is slated to release soon.

Talking about her character in the film, Sanam shares: "I play a shaairah who gives in to commercialism unlike the rebellious anti-politics shaair played by Fahad Mustafa. I play a supporting role in adding to the conflict in the story."

Praising her co-stars, she adds: "It was a treat to work with Sarmad Sehbai. I wish actors had more teachers like him. Anjum Shezad is another person I would love to work with again."

Sanam's other favourite co-stars include: "Mehreen Jabbar, Sarwat Gilani, Adeel Hussain, Yasir Nawaz, Ayesha Khan, Mohib Mirza, Fawad Khan, Hina Bayat, Uzma Gillani to name a few! I've been lucky to work with a lot of great people. I have enjoyed my time with the cast, crew and directors on every project. They have all taught me so much."

So what does she enjoy most — television, film or theatre?

"I love being on stage, nothing compares to it. I was afraid of films, but I've had my taste of it and I think it's my second love," shares the Mera Naseeb star. "I enjoy the rehearsals and the pace at which a film is shot compared to television. I don't know how much I'll still like it after appearing on the big screen though, that is the true test I have not been through yet."

Having appeared in her fair share of musicals such as Grease, Chicago, and Mamma Mia!, Sanam feels that the state of theatre production in our country is in despair: "[There are] no sponsors and no funding. We need investors who are willing to save the theatre from becoming a dying art and would want it to thrive and grow and reach greater heights."

Sanam in the musical 'Grease'

We all know about the characters that she plays, but who is Sanam as a person?

Saying that she can relate to most of her characters, Sanam discloses: "I am an oxymoron, shy and confident at the same time. I stand by what I believe in, I'm not afraid to speak up for what I think is right. I am a slightly private person like majority of the characters I have played."

No wonder the former model is tight-lipped when we inquire about her recent engagement and ask her about her impending nuptials and who the lucky man is. Tactfully avoiding giving any details, the actor replies: "I'm the lucky girl and the wedding is early next year."

Will she continue to work after marriage?

"I can't imagine I would do anything else," says Sanam.

The actor has it all figured out in order to strike a balance between her professional and private life: "You prioritise, you don't be lazy. If you make the effort to keep the balance, anything is possible. Hard work, honesty and support make it all happen."

Sanam is not only a pretty face who has the acting chops to go with it; she is also a philanthropist. She actively participates in social causes and recently did a fundraiser for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital.

Stressing on the importance of celebrities giving back, she says: "Everyone may not pay attention to the incredible work that some people are quietly doing, but they will pay attention to celebrities. We do have a social responsibility and it is important to be aware of that. We can spread awareness and social messages because of the fact that we are familiar faces to people, we are relatable to people through some of the characters we play.

In the long run, I hope that my work pays off in the bigger picture and that as a celebrity I am able to contribute to society through these wonderful organisations."

On DawnNews

Comments (27) Closed

Gaurav Arya

Nov 14, 2014 01:09pm

Extremely talented lady with a huge fan base in India. Respect.

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riz

Nov 14, 2014 01:10pm

Empower women! Huh, come on, all the plays on Pakistan TV are about marriage, or not getting marriage, or getting married and being unhappy, or being unhappy if not married. Please, there is so much more to life than marriage. How do any of your roles empower women. Women have a lot of other issues than marriage!

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Zareena

Nov 14, 2014 02:03pm

she is my favourite.

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Rizwan

Nov 14, 2014 02:13pm

@riz Agreed 1000%

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Saad

Nov 14, 2014 02:23pm

@riz Zindagi Gulzar Hai was about a woman from a low income family who goes against all odds to become successful - depsite all of the problems and barriers that are enforced on her. I'd say that's pretty empowering.

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Ali

Nov 14, 2014 02:43pm

If you see Umar Shaif stage show you will find that the real power woman has and all the day in house woman cried not had enough love and care, at the end of day poor mane expired, but she live for a decades hati kati.

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Chi Ben

Nov 14, 2014 02:53pm

A nation built on women power leads the world.

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ghanshyam

Nov 14, 2014 03:58pm

I like the strong characters she plays. Give me hope that one day women can breath freely and tear away the suffocation of burkha.

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Satish Raina

Nov 14, 2014 04:06pm

My wife and I are totally smitten by her talent. Yes, she is at her best doing women empowerment roles. It suits her personality and makes it that much more effective. Undoubtedly, under an able director and a powerful script, the best is yet to come. Blessings and many good wishes to Sanam Saeed.

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Dr B. N. Anand

Nov 14, 2014 04:27pm

I indeed enjoyed tw-three Pakistani drama serials when Channel Zindgi started the telecast of Pakistan serials. But after watching Zindgi Gulzar Hai , Humsafar, Maat, which were superb, I realised that all these serials are similar in story line, I.e family conflicts of two sisters, their married lives and their difficulties etc etc . After these , I got discouraged and my interest started waning as one can predict the whole serial after watching one or two episodes. There is no variety in social problems, though there are many, but it is always between two sisters and one hero or two brothers and one heroine. I wish some variety in story line can be brought out to make these serials more versatiles.

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i had to comment

Nov 14, 2014 06:30pm

she resembles juhi chawla a lil bit...

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Desi

Nov 14, 2014 07:17pm

What a wonderful actress and a person too. There are other beautiful Pakistani actress but something elegant, classy and polished presence about her. She could easily be in any Bollywood Art movies, but they seldom make them these days. Very unfortunate as Bollywood has become very commercial and money making business. She does remind of Tabu.

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Syed W. Ali

Nov 14, 2014 07:47pm

@Gaurav Arya said it. Respect Indeed. ""I like stories with a message or a moral. I like taking on characters that could be role models for young girls, or roles that empower women. I think it's very important,"" the need of which cannot be overstated.

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AYZA

Nov 14, 2014 08:22pm

Sanam Saeed is a versatile actress and her down to earth mindset is truly admirable. Despite growing up in the UK, her command of Urdu is impeccable. It's interesting she mentions some fellow actors who mentored and guided her. Of all the talented Pakistani actors she mentioned a few are truly brilliant who emanate incredible charisma in their on screen performances.

IMO Hina Bayat, Sarwat Gilani, Adeel Hussain, and Mohib Mirza are amaaazing actors and certainly I and many other fans agree that you don't find such dynamic actors next door who can duplicate their range of emotions which are expressed so subtly and naturally. These highly talented actors take on extremely complex roles which they flawlessly execute, and of course being drop-dead gorgeous doesn't hurt either : )

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Ravi Dallas TX

Nov 14, 2014 09:24pm

She should fit in well in Vidya Balan and Tabu's roles. She was simply brilliant in ZGH.

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Arisha G

Nov 14, 2014 11:15pm

@riz i think she was talking about the chracters SHE chose. not commenting on the roles out there in general for women or the story line of most of the drams these days. hence the short list of characters she has played on screen in her 5 years.

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samrita

Nov 15, 2014 12:28am

Am a big fan of Sanam Saeed. What a wonderful actor. Hope she soon joins Bollywood.

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Sikander Khan

Nov 15, 2014 01:51am

I am from Uncle Urfi era and I must say that Sanam Saeed is an amazing actress. A confident woman with a command in Urdu language. I didnt watch the whole ZGH, just some episodes with my family and I was mesmerize with her acting and talent. Good luck Sanam, you deserve more.

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Adam Bezar

Nov 15, 2014 02:13am

Keep it up, Sanam Saeed. You rock.

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Kadir khan

Nov 15, 2014 05:35am

Very stylish and talented actress. I like her tall lanky personality. Her dialogue delivery & expressions are unique and different from other actresses of this new lot.

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ghanshyam

Nov 15, 2014 07:58am

Pl avoid bollywood, it is a cheap place. They will make you dance around doing vulgar steps. It lacks serious and credible players.

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AL

Nov 15, 2014 08:58am

No doubt,she is a talented actress...but there are many other issues apart from empower the women about marriage.